The Czech Republic’s awesome capital of Prague is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Eastern and Central Europe. Tourists love to soak in the beauty, the scenery, the amazing sights and finely crafted buildings, and the history, in order to get a taste of authentic Eastern and Central European culture.
Prague is mostly known for its plethora of architecturally stunning ancient buildings, cathedrals, and monuments of many different ages and time periods including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Deconstructionist, among others. You’ll be impressed with the wide range of architectural beauty you’ll find in the many buildings in Prague.
If you’re planning a trip to the historically magnificent Prague, Czech Republic, make sure you plan to stay for at least a number of days—up to a week, if you’ve got the time. There is simply too much to see—from Prague Castle and Old Town Square to the many museums and churches and the famous Prague Troja zoo.
Prague’s centre should be your first stop in the city, particularly if your time is limited. Sights that can all be found in the centre include Old Town Square, one of Prague’s most significant and beautiful historical sites; Lesser Town Square (Malostranske Namesti), which includes the famous St. Nicolas Church as well as a wide variety of other attractions and activities; Prague Castle, the city’s most popular tourist destination including a number of palaces, galleries, museums, and a monastery; Charles Bridge, on which you can take a romantic stroll and enjoy a magnificent view of Prague Castle as well as the Vltava River; and Petrin Hill & Observation Tower, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of city.
However, if you can, take the time to venture out of the centre to check out many other of the city’s delights. For great sightseeing, fine dining of some of the Czech Republic’s best (and authentically European) cuisine, as well as alcoholic beverages, it’s more than worth your while to step out of Prague’s centre and into the quarters of Vinohrady and Zizkov.
For a taste of Jewish heritage, be sure to check out Prague’s Jewish Quarter and the famous Jewish Museum. Art and historical museum lovers should also visit the Bertramka Mozart Museum, Mucha Museum, Prague City Museum, and the Museum of Communism. If you like historic churches, some of Prague’s best include Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Prague Castle’s St. George’s Basilica.
If you’re not quite sure how to go about your sightseeing in Prague, where all the sights are, how to make the most of your time, or how to ensure you won’t miss out on anything, you have the option of joining one of Prague’s many helpful and exciting sightseeing tours, walking tours, and river cruises to make your vacation complete. The Prague Grand City Sightseeing Tour and The Best of Prague Walking Tour are two fine examples.
However, keep in mind that Prague is not just a city of interesting sights, even though its attractions are many, interesting, and unique, and give you more than just a glimpse into Prague’s rich culture. There is also much to do in this Eastern European wonder, including fine dining and drink sampling of some of the world’s finest wines and beers, and the entertainment and nightlife is nothing to scoff at. There are operas to see, poetry readings, and theatre performances to attend, art galleries to visit, and lively dance clubs in which you can let loose with tourists and locals alike. There is simply no shortage of activities in the exciting and culturally stimulating Prague, Czech Republic, and it pays to find out what’s happening on the social calendar during your stay there.
As Prague’s tourism sector grows, so does its accommodations, and you will likely have plenty of options, including modern hotels, quaint and charming bed and breakfast inns, and fairly cheap hostels for students and younger traveler, for places to stay during your Prague vacation, especially if you avoid high season (April to October) and the major holidays. Search for deals on the Internet and make sure to book your accommodations at least a month in advance, however, no matter when you choose to visit Prague and explore the city in all its glory.